ArticleSpine deformity2021
The impact of COVID-19 on idiopathic scoliosis referrals: cause for concern.
Article in Spine deformity, 2021. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 15 papers.
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Who cites it
15 citing papers in PubMed.
- Smartphone-based Structure-from-Motion for the remote assessment of trunk rotation in spine deformity.North American Spine Society journal · 2026Article
- Quantifying Risk Factors for Osteochondritis Dissecans in Children: A Propensity-Matched Retrospective Cohort Study.Orthopaedic journal of sports medicine · 2026Article
- Prevalence and Incidence of Treatment-Range Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Diagnosed in Ontario Between 2012 and 2021: Validating a Population-Based Health Administrative Algorithm for Case Identification in Youth Aged 10-17 Years.Clinical epidemiology · 2026Article
- Digital twin for the analog scoliometer: advancements in telehealth for paediatric spine deformity care.Scientific reports · 2025Article
- The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on School-Based Scoliosis Screening Program in South Korea.Neurospine · 2025Article
- Artificial intelligence and digital health in vascular surgery: a 2-decade bibliometric analysis of research landscapes and evolving frontiers.Journal of robotic surgery · 2025Review
- Article
- COVID-19 significantly impacted initial consultation for idiopathic scoliosis.Spine deformity · 2024Article
- Lessons from the pandemic era: do we need new strategies to improve conservative treatment adherence in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis? A retrospective analysis.European journal of translational myology · 2024Article
- The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric spinal care: A multi-centric study.Journal of children's orthopaedics · 2024Article
- Racial and Ethnic Differences in Factors Associated With Delayed or Missed Pediatric Preventive Care in the US Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.JAMA network open · 2023Article
- The role of school medicine in the early detection and management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.Wiener klinische Wochenschrift · 2023Article
- Impact of the Suspension of Elective Surgeries for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis during the COVID-19 Pandemic.Revista brasileira de ortopedia · 2023Article
- Scoliosis Management through Apps and Software Tools.International journal of environmental research and public health · 2023Review
- Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
3 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
STUDY
designRetrospective comparative review.
objectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the short-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the demographic and clinical profile of new idiopathic scoliosis (IS) patients, with a particular focus on treatment and late referral. The COVID-19 pandemic has limited health-care services and public access and, as a result, the diagnosis and management of non-COVID-19 health conditions have been compromised. Delayed diagnosis of IS may limit conservative treatment options and subsequently, increase a patient's risk of requiring surgical intervention.
methodsThe volume of spine referrals received and new IS clinic visits were compared between March 15-October 15, 2019 and the same period in 2020. A chart and radiographic review detailed the patient profile at initial presentation. Descriptive statistics and comparative analyses examined the referral source, curve magnitude, skeletal maturity, and prescribed treatment. Late referrals were those with a curve magnitude ≥ 50°, or > 40° and Risser 2 or less.
resultsDuring the 2020 study period, the referral volume decreased 76% and clinic visits 55%. The 2019 cohort was similar in age (13.7 ± 2.1 years vs 13.3 ± 2.3 years, p = 0.08), Risser score distribution (p = 0.32), menarchal status (0.07), and curve magnitude (37.1° ± 3.8° vs 39.0° ± 16.0°, p = 0.22). During the pandemic, there was an increased proportion of referrals made by pediatricians (41 to 54%, p = 0.01). The proportion of brace prescriptions increased from 30 to 42% (p = 0.01). The proportion of surgical bookings and late referrals were increased but did not reach significance.
conclusionDespite no significant increase in the magnitude of the curve at initial presentation or the proportion of late referrals, there was a marked decrease in referral volume, over the first 7 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. This suggests that the majority of expected new IS patients remain undiagnosed. A future increase in late referrals should be anticipated. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.
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